February, 2005 - Volume 6, Issue 4



Chocolate Is Good For You?



Looks like it might be true! In moderation, of course, this sweet treat does not have to be a guilty pleasure. Research suggests that eating chocolate, especially dark chocolate, has many health benefits including helping to lower blood pressure, promoting heart health, and prolonging your life. Chocolate contains the same beneficial antioxidants as wine, as well as iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E.

Plus, as many of us know, eating chocolate can just make you feel better. “Did you know that ‘stressed’ spelled backwards is ‘desserts?’” jokes Jan.

SWEETHEART TREATS
So this Valentine’s Day, treat your sweetheart (or yourself!)
to some healthy chocolate! And look no further than Newcastle
Produce for a huge selection of chocolate concoctions.

One of the top gourmet chocolates is Scharffen Berger, our “local” chocolate maker, based in Berkeley. For a great gift, try a selection of the 1 ounce bars, the 3 ounce bars, or the adorable Mini Squares (the perfect size for a tiny treat after dinner!). Available flavors include Semisweet, Bittersweet, Extra Dark, Milk, Mocha (with crushed coffee beans), Nibby (with cocoa bean pieces), and Mint. Or pick up some Natural Cocoa Powder (it makes the most amazing hot chocolate!).

From Gil’s Gourmet Gallery we have Pinot Noir Chocolate Cherries and Tiramisu Chocolate Caramels. “We’ve received rave reviews from folks who tried them at Christmas time,” says Jan. Another very popular item is the divine Belgian Chocolates from San Francisco Chocolate Company. We also have a new line from Marich: Trufflz in 10oz boxes. Choose from Chocolate, Raspberry, and Mocha. Yum!

GIFT BASKETS
For a creative and easy gift, stop in and pick up our Chocolate Lover gift basket, featuring Newcastle Produce Cabernet Chocolate Sauce, Almondina Chocolate Dipped Biscuits, Belgian Chocolate Break Up Bars in Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Almond, Scharffen Berger Sweetened Cocoa Powder, Lady Walton’s Gourmet Cookies, and Scharffen Berger Mini
Chocolate Squares. All of these yummies are artfully arranged
and wrapped in a beautiful basket for just $42.

We hope to see you and your sweet tooth in the store soon!